Fennel is a plant and an herb.

• botanical information
• origin
• history
• part used
• nutritional information
• astrological correspondences
• magick correspondences and uses
• Goddesses and deities
• health care
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare

    Common name: fennel

    French name: fenouil

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

origin:

    Origin: Mediterranean

history:

    History: Fennel was one of the ingredients mentioned in the Eber’s Papyrus. The Eber’s Papyrus (from between 1600 B.C.E. and 1550 B.C.E.), was discovered by German Egyptologist Georg Ebers in 1874 C.E. The Eber’s Papyrus is the oldest known complete medical textbook in existence. Most scholars believe that it is copy of a much earlier text, probably from around 3100 B.C.E. The Eber’s Papyrus includes information on surgery and internal medicine, including a list of more than 800 drugs.

part used:

Part Used (fennel seed): The fruit or “seeds”, dried and used whole or ground. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

nutritional information:

    Fennel is a food that helps nourish the kidneys.

    Fennel is a food that increases sexual energy and enhances fertility.

nutritional value per 100 grams:

• Calories: 28 calories
• Proteins: 2.8 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5.0 grams
• high in Vitamin A
• high in Vitamin C
• high in calcium
• high in iron

astrological correspondences:

    Astrological planet: Mercury

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Gender: masculine (traditional western European magickal gender)

    Western element: fire

    Magickal uses: physical health, protection, and banishing ill-intended magick

    Mercury spells: Fennel (as herb or essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Mercury matters (overcoming addiction, breaking bad habits, communication, divination, eloquence, intelligence, mental powers, psychic powers, self-improvement, study, travel, and wisdom). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on Mercury for a list of herbal substitutes for fennel.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

Magical Uses Fennel: Protection, Healing, Purification Fennel Seed: prevents curses, demonic possessions and negative problems. Purification, protection, healing, money. information courtesy of

deities associated with fennel:

• Prometheus (Greek God)

   

health care uses:

    Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.

traditional medicine:

    Traditional Medicine: While many traditional practices have been scientifically verified, some are now known to be dangerous. Seek the advice of qualified health care providers.

    Traditional medicinal uses: Fennel was one of the ingredients mentioned in the Eber’s Papyrus. The Eber’s Papyrus is the oldest known complete medical textbook in existence. Most scholars believe that it is copy of a much earlier text, probably from around 3100 B.C.E. Note that not all traditional medications are effective or even safe.

cautions and contraindications:

    Cautions and contraindications: Fennel is believed to be safe.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: herbs.

next herb